Melbourne high-rise goes skinny

• Melbourne’s tallest ‘skinny tower’ has been approved for Southbank at 73 storeys and 240 metres height
• Melbourne is a world leader in innovative skyscraper design and architecture
• High quality urban living in Melbourne’s central city helps make us the world’s most liveable city

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy has today approved Melbourne’s tallest ‘skinny tower’ at 54-56 Clarke Street, Southbank.

Designed by innovative Melbourne architectural firm BKK (Black Kosloff Knott), the world-leading structure will be around 12 metres wide at its narrowest point, and 240 metres tall.

“Melbourne is proud to be developing some of the most innovative and advanced skyscraper designs in the world,” Mr Guy said.

“Melbourne’s engineering, design and construction skills base provides a strong foundation for investment and highly skilled employment growth into the future. This is a key part of the Coalition strategy of growing the economy, and increasing jobs for our future.

“While other skinny buildings are called ‘pencil towers’, this building displays a slender, twisting flower stem design. 54 Clarke Street has strong architectural features to ensure it embodies a slender, sophisticated style all the way from a ‘webbed’ foundation at ground level.

“This proposed skyscraper at 54 Clarke Street is similar to slender skyscrapers in major cities overseas, like New York’s skinny towers One Madison Park or 785 Eighth Street.”

The 73 level building – which is 240 metres in height – follows in the footsteps of Melbourne’s first skinny tower, the Phoenix building at 108 Flinders Street.

“There are six built or approved buildings in Melbourne that are taller than 54 Clarke Street, but none are as slender,” Mr Guy said.

The residential tower has 256 apartments and will have a cafe on the ground level.